When Can I Brush My Teeth After Permanent Crown?
Dental crowns are perfect for restoring damaged teeth, providing functional support and aesthetic appeal. After receiving a crown, patients tend to have multiple questions about the recovery process.
One of the most often-asked questions is, “When can I brush my teeth after a permanent crown?”
It is an excellent question to ask; after all, you would want to know when you can safely return to your regular oral care routine.
While the crown installation procedure is simple, you must follow several steps to ensure the longevity of your new dental restoration, including knowing when you can brush your teeth after getting a crown.
What are Permanent Crowns?
Dental crowns are an excellent solution for restoring teeth affected by decay or damage. The crown covers the damaged tooth entirely with an artificial cap that closely resembles and functions like a natural tooth.
Why Taking Care After Getting a Permanent Crown Matters
Healing & Recovery
After a dental crown is placed, the surrounding gums and tissues require time to heal. Adhering to your dentist’s aftercare guidelines will help ensure proper healing, alleviate discomfort, and minimize the risk of complications.
Longevity of Crowns
With proper care, permanent dental crowns can last many years, sometimes over a decade. Following aftercare instructions and maintaining excellent oral hygiene can improve your permanent crown’s longevity and reduce the chances of needing early replacement.
What is the Process of Cementing a Dental Crown?
- Tooth Preparation: Your dentist will repair the tooth in question by removing any decay or damaged areas and reshaping it to accommodate the crown.
- Impression: A mold of the prepared tooth is taken to create a custom-fitted crown that matches the patient’s bite and aesthetic.
- Crown Fabrication: The mold is sent to a dental laboratory, where the crown is crafted using high-quality materials.
- Cementation: Once the crown is ready, your dentist will securely bond it to the prepared tooth using dental adhesive, ensuring a strong and durable fit.
How Long Does it Take for the Cement in Permanent Crowns to Set?
The setting time for the cement used in dental crowns can vary. Generally, dental cement hardens within a few minutes of being applied. However, the exact setting time can be affected by the type of cement, room temperature, and humidity levels.
While some cements may harden quickly, others might need more time for optimal bonding. Patients should follow their dentist’s guidelines and avoid putting pressure on the crown until the cement has fully set.
Immediate Care After Getting a Permanent Crown
Following specific instructions to encourage healing and avoid complications is crucial right after getting a crown.
- Avoid chewing: Don’t chew on the crowned tooth until the cement has fully hardened to prevent the crown from becoming loose.
- Gentle rinsing: Use lukewarm water to gently rinse your mouth and clear away any leftover debris or blood.
- Soft diet: Stick to soft foods and liquids after getting a permanent crown, at least for the first few hours, to minimize pressure on the newly placed crown.
- Avoid sticky or hard foods: Refrain from consuming sticky or hard foods that could damage the crown or cause it to dislodge.
So, When Can You Brush Your Teeth After Permanent Crown?
Brushing too soon after getting a crown can interfere with cement setting and weaken the bond between the crown and the tooth. It’s important to wait for the recommended period before brushing.
Dentists usually suggest waiting at least 24 hours after crown placement to allow the cement to harden fully, ensuring the crown’s stability and durability.
What Type of Toothbrush & Toothpaste Should You Use After Permanent Crown?
While knowing when you can brush your teeth after getting a permanent crown is essential, choosing the right toothbrush and toothpaste is also vital to maintaining excellent oral hygiene and ensuring the durability of your permanent crown.
Choose a soft-bristled toothbrush to avoid harming the crown or irritating the surrounding gums. Use fluoride toothpaste, as your dentist advises, to help prevent decay and support dental health.
Best Practices for Cleaning Around a Permanent Crown
Avoid Teeth Grinding & Clenching
Teeth grinding (bruxism) can place excessive stress on dental crowns, potentially causing them to fracture or come loose. If you grind or clench your teeth, consult your dentist about using a nightguard to safeguard your crowns while you sleep.
Protect Dental Crowns During Physical Activities
Consider wearing a mouthguard if you regularly engage in contact sports or activities that might lead to dental injury. A custom-fitted mouthguard can offer additional protection for your dental crowns.
Minimize Exposure to Acidic & Sugary Foods
Acidic and sugary foods can erode the enamel around your dental crown, increasing the risk of damage and decay. Limit your intake of acidic drinks, sugary snacks, and desserts.
Brushing Techniques
Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and recommended fluoride toothpaste to clean your dental crowns gently. Hold the brush at a 45-degree angle and use small, circular motions to cover all surfaces of the crowns. Focus on the gum line to help prevent gum disease.
Flossing
Flossing removes plaque and food particles between teeth and dental crowns. Use a floss threader or water flosser to clean the areas around the crown effectively.
When to Contact Your Dentist
- If you experience intense or persistent pain in the crowned tooth
- If the crown feels loose or comes off entirely
- If you notice severe sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures that don’t subside after a few days
- If you experience swelling, redness or discharge around the crown
- If you feel that the crown affects your bite or if the crown feels unusually high or out of alignment.
- If you have trouble flossing or brushing around the crown
- If you notice a persistent foul smell or taste coming from the crowned tooth
- If the gums around the crown become inflamed, irritated, or bleed excessively.
Conclusion
Knowing “When can I brush my teeth after a permanent crown?” is crucial for the success of your dental restoration.
By following post-procedural instructions and the recommended guidelines given by your dentist, you can preserve the durability of your crown and maintain a healthy, attractive smile for years.
Schedule a consultation with Prime Family Dentistry in Stone Ridge, VA to get your permanent crown today!
FAQs
When can I start brushing my teeth after getting a permanent crown?
Typically, you should wait at least 24 hours before brushing your teeth to allow the permanent cement to set and ensure a fully secure bond.
Can I brush my teeth right after getting a permanent crown?
It’s best to avoid brushing the crowned tooth immediately to prevent disrupting the setting process of the cement.
Should I avoid brushing the crowned tooth altogether?
No, brushing regularly after getting a permanent crown is essential. But follow your dentist’s instructions on when to start and how to brush around the crown gently.
